Microbial Diversity in the SIRIUS Habitat: Molecular Analysis of “Survival Specialists” on Novel Two-Component Antimicrobial Surfaces
Microbial biofilms pose a major problem in human spaceflight because they endanger both crew health and materials and equipment through biocorrosion. In this project, we investigate the effectiveness of novel antimicrobial surfaces against Gram-negative and Gram-positive model organisms capable of forming thick biofilms on a wide variety of surfaces. We are developing assays to quantify the inhibition of microbial growth caused by the antimicrobial substances and to determine their time-dependent killing efficiency. The assays use bacterial model organisms in different growth states as well as endospores, which are bacterial dormant forms. The most effective materials will be used individually or in combination to reduce contamination on the International Space Station and in other closed environments.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and has the acronym AGXX-GOX II.
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Dr. habil. Elisabeth Grohmann
Contact:
